Research in dementia is growing in cost, volume, and in outcomes. The reason it continues is not only about the devastating effects of this complex group of diseases. Its also because of the numbers. As we continue to live longer, we also continue to have greater numbers of people experiencing lifestyle and age related disorders, and also disorders such as dementia. There are currently an estimated 425,416 Australians living with dementia and there are an estimated 250 people joining the population with dementia each day.
The trouble is that there are only a few people who really understand much about it. This is evident when you hear people say things like, "They have Alzheimer's not dementia." Alzheimer's Disease is a form of dementia, as are many more processes that lead to the outcome of changed brain function that is dementia. So, how do we learn more about what it is, how it happens, how to manage it and ideas for improving the experience of people who are living with dementia.
Dementia Australia is now the renewed version of Alzheimer's Australia. The organisation has a vast array of information about dementia in all its forms, for people living with dementia, carers and workers and health professionals in the care and health industry. They also provide courses and resources for people including support groups and risk reduction techniques.
If you are a person living with dementia or a carer, you can gain some great insights and some hints and ideas about how to manage so much about this individually unique disorder. Don't stay in the dark, and don't feel you're all alone. There is help available.
This is their website link: https://carers.dementia.org.au/